A combined MeV-neutron and x-ray source for the National Ignition Facility

In support of future radiation-effects testing, a combined environment source has been developed for the National Ignition Facility (NIF), utilizing both NIF’s long-pulse beams, and the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) short pulse lasers. First, ARC was used to illuminate a gold foil at high-i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Review of scientific instruments 2022-10, Vol.93 (10), p.103510-103510
Main Authors: Hohenberger, M., Kerr, S., Yeamans, C., Rusby, D., Meaney, K. D., Hahn, K., Heredia, R., Sarginson, T., Blue, B., Mackinnon, A. J., Hsing, W. W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Fluence
Ignition
Metal foils
Short pulses
X ray sources
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Summary:In support of future radiation-effects testing, a combined environment source has been developed for the National Ignition Facility (NIF), utilizing both NIF’s long-pulse beams, and the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) short pulse lasers. First, ARC was used to illuminate a gold foil at high-intensity, generating a significant x-ray signal >1 MeV. This was followed by NIF 10 ns later to implode an exploding pusher target filled with fusionable gas for neutron generation. The neutron and x-ray bursts were incident onto a retrievable, close-standoff diagnostic snout. With separate control over both neutron and x-ray emission, the platform allows for tailored photon and neutron fluences and timing on a recoverable test sample. The platform exceeded its initial fluence goals, demonstrating a neutron fluence of 2.3 ×1013 n/cm2 and an x-ray dose of 7 krad.
ISSN:0034-6748
1089-7623
DOI:10.1063/5.0101816